Is It Safe to Have Apple Cider Vinegar When Pregnant

As the name suggests, apple cider vinegar is a product made from apples. Prepared from several crushed apples, it is processed through fermentation. Undergoing fermentation turns it into alcohol and later it is converted into acetic acid. And then you have it on the stores around you. There are two types of ACV available in the stores.

• Pasteurized ACV

• Unpasteurized ACV

Pasteurized vinegar is free from the harmful bacteria E. Coli. While unpasteurized one is not.

Drinking PASTEURIZED ACV is considered safe during pregnancy. As different studies suggest, there is no risks involved in its intake. If you are pregnant and feel the cravings for it or just want to have it for its several health benefits, go for it and make sure you are not taking the unpasteurized one. If you do that, the hazardous microorganisms like E. coli bacteria may cause the risks like miscarriage, still birth and various other complications in pregnancy. Even your baby may suffer health issues after birth.

Note: Drinking ACV before supper is advised as it is good for digestion.

Is It Safe to Ingest ACV Supplements During Pregnancy?

Sometimes women find the intake of supplements of apple cider vinegar while pregnant (available in the form of pills and capsules), an easy way to get benefited from its natural goodness. However, this is something that must be avoided. According to the experts, most of the supplements available in the markets do not contain apple cider vinegar at all. So, don’t risk your pregnancy.

How to Safely Drink ACV

Apple cider vinegar should never be ingested directly. ACV functions like a sponge in our body and as you drink it, it starts to draw all the harmful toxins from the body. As a result, the pregnant woman may have a feeling of discomfort. So, the most recommended way of ingesting it, is by mixing it in water, just like a cocktail.

Note: Some suggest to take it in juice, soda or other caffeinated drinks. As we know that ACV itself has many acidic properties, mixing it in another acidic drink may increase its acidity level in the drink. And that may have harming effects on body.

Using ACV for Pregnant Women

Here is the safest way to take it for pregnant women.

• Add one teaspoon of ACV in the glass of water. As it has a bitter taste, you may increase or decrease the amount of water accordingly.

• 2 teaspoons of honey (optional).

• Ingest it slowly.

• Use of apple cider vinegar while pregnant must be limited to 2 to 3 times maximum in a day.

If you are pregnant especially, taking some medication prescribed by your doctor, you should avoid taking it on your own. Consult your health adviser and then proceed accordingly.

There are myriad of reasons why one should take it during pregnancy. It deals with several common problems that women face in pregnancy. Some of them are:

• Nausea/morning sickness relief

• Fighting discomfort of common cold

• Toxicosis/gestoses relief

• Reduces heartburn

• Prevents UTI

• Regulates blood circulation

• Normalizes blood pressure

Treatment of Indigestion and Discomfort in Pregnant Women

Indigestion is a common issue in pregnancy. The main symptoms include heartburn, burping, feeling stuffed and nausea. Antacids are the best relief for all of it. But most of the women shy away from using it. Intaking a tablespoon of ACV diluted in water can be a great relief.

To get benefitted from all the goodness of ACV, you are advised to follow the precautions given below:

• Pick the best quality ACV. How would you know which one is good? Check the ingredients first, it should be made from crushed apples or cider. Secondly, it should be of pale to amber in color. Heinz and Bragg are considered to be the most reliable brands in the market.

• The acidic nourishment of ACV can damage your natural tooth enamel. If you love your teeth, we recommend you to ingest it with the help of a straw and brush your teeth well once you finish.

• Many times, its intake causes irritation in throat and stomach. So, if you have any medical conditions related to these parts, be careful in its use.

• In the last trimester of pregnancy, addition of a drop of iodine in this drink (2 to 3 times in a week) would have good effects on your health.

Note: Some studies have found that intaking ACV may decrease the potassium level in the body and may react when taken along with some prescribed medicines.